I decided to spare you any further news of the BP oil spill, since we already covered the news about Kevin Costner’s cleanup machines coming to the rescue.  So what else could we find besides oil-related stuff to share today?  Well, you’re in for a treat. First up is an interesting article about a new competition, but this one’s not for humans – it’s for robots.  Yes, you read that right. They’re not quite up to arm wrestling yet, so we’re starting them out with a handshake competition. May the best man, uh … machine, win. Wow, that was weird. Next up is a very time-sensitive link, so pay, attention! All six episodes of the British design show, Genius of Design, are now available for viewing online, but only for a limited time. So click through and bookmark that link and start enjoying GoD tonight. We follow that up with an interesting design for a hot chocolate machine and then it’s back to the future with some retro looks at what the “future” (read: today) was supposed to be like in offices around the world.  Last, but certainly not least, we close out with another look as some fine safety work…or, maybe not. You decide.

Israeli Researchers To Host First International Robotic Handshaking Competition (PopSci)

Limited time only–every episode of “Genius of Design” now online! (Core77)

Illusion For Hot Chocolate? (Yanko Design)

5 Wacky Retrofuturistic Visions of 21st Century Office Life (Gajitz)

No Passing On A Double Yellow (There, I fixed It)